This special issue of Smithsonian in Your Classroom describes the basic components of a classroom museum exhibit, using as a model the exhibit projects of a Smithsonian magnet school in Washington, D.C. The teachers at the schools look for the intersections of the students’ interests and the requirements of the curriculum.

The issue describes the magnet school method from start to finish. It shows that the students shape the theme of the exhibit, jumping off from a broad topic that the teacher proposes, usually in keeping with curriculum standards. The students refine the theme through research, lay out the exhibits, and serve as docents at a school-wide grand opening. A resource page is included in the issue.

Note: This is an archival publication dating back to 1999 and any supplements or suggestions for off-site education may not be available.